Latest news with #StirlingCouncil
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Stirling schools music tuition in new cuts confusion
Campaigners say proposals to slash the service's budget by £200k were outlined to staff earlier this week without the knowledge of councillors - but council denies the department faces any savings Music tuition in Stirling's schools was this week at the centre of cuts confusion ... just two months after councillors unanimously rejected an option to slash it by £250,000. Staff from the council's instrumental music service were said to have been called to an urgent meeting chaired by a service manager on Tuesday of this week and told that education officers are seeking £200,000 of 'efficiency savings' from the service in this financial year. Specific details of where the axe could fall were said to have been outlined at the meeting. With councillors across the board unaware of the move, questions were then being asked over just how a cut of almost the same level was being brought in 'under the radar' without the knowledge of elected members. But yesterday (Thursday) the council denied any such cuts were being considered. Earlier, one campaigner told the Observer: 'The people of Stirling, through their elected members, have made it quite clear that they value and wish to see the music service remain intact and enhanced. 'Unelected council bureaucrats appear to be wilfully disregarding the wishes of Stirling councillors and are bringing forward these efficiency savings behind the backs of elected members.' A Stirling SNP group spokesperson meanwhile said: 'From what we have discovered, [the 'efficiencies'] could be over £200,000, with cuts to tuition at McLaren, Balfron and Stirling High Schools. 'Stirling SNP councillors remain resolute in avoiding the annual stress to families of such cuts at budget time and indeed our motion to protect music tuition was passed earlier this year. 'As such we are now concerned these proposals, if true, run contrary to this motion with cuts nonetheless being brought in 'under the radar' as 'operational efficiencies'.' SNP Group Leader Susan McGill said: 'The SNP group proposed to protect music tuition for the remainder of this council term, but if this is true, these services won't last past the summer holidays.' Stirling MP Chris Kane (Labour), a former leader of Stirling Council, said: 'Music education opens doors, nurtures confidence, and helps young people thrive. 'I've asked the chief executive of Stirling Council for urgent clarity on reports of cuts to the service. Any decisions must be transparent, accountable, and reflect the clear support all councillors have shown for protecting music tuition in Stirling's schools.' Local Scottish Conservative MSP and Shadow Minister for Local Government & Public Finance, Alexander Stewart, who was preparing to put an urgent question to First Minister John Swinney at Holyrood, said the move 'could have a detrimental effect on music teaching at Stirling, Balfron and McLaren High Schools, in addition to all associated primaries - potentially leaving pupils without a music teacher'. He added: 'Music has long played a central part in Scottish culture and the removal of this service could have a disastrous effect on these children's life chances. 'Also this situation is certainly not in the spirit of the unanimous motion in support of the music service passed by councillors only two months ago, which I welcomed in Parliament. 'So I have written to Stirling Council's chief executive requesting an urgent meeting regarding this awful situation.' As the Observer went to press, however, council leader, Labour's Cllr Gerry McGarvey, said: 'The administration stands by the budget motion of earlier in the year and is concerned that inaccurate information has been circulating.' A Stirling Council spokesperson also denied music tuition was being targeted for savings. They added: 'The 2025-26 budget saving proposal to review the music tuition service (achieving a saving of £200,000 in the current financial year) was rejected by councillors when this year's budget was set and therefore it wasn't implemented. 'All council services continually assess service delivery for improvement and to ensure best value. Work to identify service delivery transformation which may achieve savings is underway across services - but no savings are being taken forward in relation to music tuition.' The music tuition service has been a target in budget options tabled by council officials for savings for a number of years. However, the move has also consistently attracted strong protest and successive council political administrations have baulked at the idea of the cuts. Earlier this year protesting musicians - including teachers, pupils and supporters - struck up their instruments outside Stirling Council's headquarters, helping to cement the message on the controversial budget cut proposals. And ultimately councillors, while entertained by the musicians, were not entertained by the thought of slashing the music tuition budget. Campaigners have argued that such cuts would remove many instrumental music teachers currently working in Stirling schools, with serious implications for the staff concerned and hugely damaging consequences for young people learning music in Stirling. The local campaign against the budget cuts, which attracted more than 5000 signatures, was backed by international composer and former Gartmore resident Sally Beamish OBE. Former Stirling High School pupil and Emmy-winning musician John Lunn - who has composed for hit shows Downton Abbey, Shetland, and Grantchester - also backed the campaign, as did Jeffrey Sharkey, principal of Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Council's 52,000 lost working days due to staff absence equates to £6million
The figures are an improvement on the previous year but, when combined, anxiety, stress and depression remain the main driver for workers staying at home. Staff absence throughout Stirling Council saw more than 50,000 working days lost in a year - equating to over £6million in pay. Figures due to be reported to this week's finance and economy committee, show a reduction in working days lost (WDL) for the financial year 2024-25 - with the total number 52,593. But, in their report, officials said: 'While this is a decrease by 8403 WDL from 2023-24, in pay costs alone this rate of absence amounts to over £6million. 'Teacher absence has reduced to 8.07 WDL (down 0.76 compared to 2023-24) and absence for all other employees (AOE) has reduced to 16.78 WDL (down 1.31). 'Overall this reduced council-wide absence level to 14.25 WDL (down 1.93 WDL since 2022-23).' HSCP (Health and Social Care Partnership), Education (non-teaching) and Environment and Place, accounted for the highest levels of annualised days lost per FTE (full time equivalent). However, in each of these service areas, the working days lost have reduced from the previous year. Children and Families, however, experienced the most significant increase in WDL - by 3.08 WDL to 15.25 WDL. The report added: 'It should be noted that an ongoing factor which may adversely impact attendance at work in these service areas, is the nature of some roles being more physically or mentally/emotionally demanding. 'In 2023-24 Stirling ranked 31st for AOE (all other employees) and 30th for teachers. The 2024-25 absence figures are not yet published, however, based on improving figures, the placing for Stirling based on the 2023-24 figures is expected to be 28th for AOE and 18th for teachers.' When combined, anxiety, stress and depression remain the main driver for working days lost in 2024-25. However, when these reasons are considered separately, musculoskeletal absence is the main reason for WDL in 2024-25 at 10,200 - an increase from 2023-24 when a reduction of 1601 WDL was recorded against 2022-23 figures. Personal stress is the second main reason for absence, although this has reduced by 317 WDL. Work-related stress had a slight reduction by 236 WDL to 3114 WDL. Anxiety/depression also had a small reduction of 59 WDL. Coughs/colds/flu have recorded a higher number of WDL than was anticipated, with an increase by 2174 WDL to 6752 WDL. The increase is said to reflect the prevalence of respiratory illness during the recent winter months. Gastrointestinal absence reduced by 530 WDL to 5613 WDL. The report says the council's approach to the management of health-related absence is based on providing early intervention support and, where the Supporting Attendance process is progressed, methods such as return-to-work meetings, attendance support meetings, and attendance review meetings are held which also identify any support needed. During 2024-25 there were 1205 such meetings. Staff absence due to an underlying health reason which makes it difficult for an employee to attend work, or to maintain a reasonable attendance level at work, is supported via the Attendance Capability Process which saw 148 meetings in 2024-25. Ongoing sickness absence, for which there is no underlying medical condition, may be progressed in accordance with the council's disciplinary procedures - and nine disciplinary investigations were held in 2024-25 due to an 'unacceptable level' of attendance at work. There is said to have been an 'incresasing trend' in individual cases progressing to Attendance Capability since 2022, with 148 individuals in 2024-25 - 11 whose employment has been terminated. Separately, the Disciplinary Procedure is progressed for absences where staff have been supported through the Supported Attendance Policy but have been unable to sustain an acceptable level of attendance at work, and where such absences are not due to an underlying health reason. In 2024-25 there were nine disciplinary hearings held due to unacceptable levels of attendance. The sanction in the majority of hearings due to attendance levels, was a first warning. Among a range of measures outlined in the report to support staff are the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which provides staff with free and confidential counselling at any time they need it; support services for immediate family; access to a wellbeing portal which can be downloaded to personal devices; and monthly wellbeing seminars. The report said: 'During 2024-25 there were 107 calls and 143 sessions of counselling. Of these, telephone counselling has been the most used method, with 72 sessions delivered. Uptake of counselling has dropped significantly from the 2023-24 figure by 718 sessions. 'Staff calls to our EAP are received by a professional counsellor who can provide real time support and advice. This may contribute to the reduction in additional referrals required. 'The EAP provides a wide range of support beyond counselling. This includes access to an online portal and app offering self-help resources such as financial advice and wellbeing tools. Increased use of these resources may have contributed to a reduction in calls to the helpline.'
The Courier
a day ago
- General
- The Courier
New pictures from iconic Stirling site show graffiti, broken glass and decay as demolition stalls
There are calls for better security at an iconic site on the edge of Stirling after new pictures showed it in a state of decay. In July last year, Stirling Council gave the go-ahead for the Ambassador Group to transform the derelict Craigforth Campus with new housing, a nursery, a hotel, a restaurant or pub, a gym, and a retail or community space. But, more than 10 months on, there were no signs of progress on the multi-million-pound regeneration scheme. Instead, the former offices on the 54-hectare site were visibly crumbling, with rubble, smashed windows and glass apparent throughout. When The Courier's Stephen Eighteen visited the site at the end of May, there were no security staff present. Temporary fencing panels had been pulled apart, allowing unobstructed access to the 54-hectare site. The campus, once the proud UK home of insurance giant Prudential, was littered with graffiti and potentially dangerous rubble. Stirling North councillor Rachel Nunn (Conservative) is one of many local politicians concerned about the safety of the site. 'I'm aware that the Ambassador Group has had considerable challenges with organised crime accessing the site, despite on-site security, to remove items of value,' she said. 'Over months, the site has become increasingly unsafe through acts of vandalism and theft. 'I would emphasise to parents, and indeed to anyone who works with children, to underline the acute dangers of playing in a damaged building, and strongly discourage access. 'No one wants a tragedy through misadventure. 'I have reached out to the Ambassador Group to ask about their continued site security and ask when development will begin, as ultimately, the risk is removed once the site is developed.' Ms Nunn's party colleague Stephen Kerr, MSP for Central Scotland, said: 'It is a sad reflection on Stirling that this building remains unoccupied. 'Stirling Council needs to work closely with the owners of the site to bring it into use, but the big problem here is criminals vandalising the site.' Stirling North councillor Jim Thomson (SNP) said: 'It is very upsetting to find the developer appears to have withdrawn the security that existed on this site. 'Planning permission was granted some time ago. 'I know that officers of the council are seeking answers from the developer but I would urge them to restore a level of security that protects another building in danger.' The former offices were once a proud example of 1960s brutalism. But window panes were shattered and doors destroyed as the structures took on a skeletal appearance with forgotten interiors visible from the outside. Craigforth Campus was one of Stirling's biggest employment hubs when it was the main office location for Prudential in the UK. The buildings are seen every day by thousands of motorists and passengers travelling along the M9 near junction 10. But they have been left unused since M&G – which took on the land after demerging with Prudential in 2019 – moved to new premises at Kildean Business Park in 2022. Hopes the land would soon be restored to its former glory have been hit by the apparent stalling of demolition work. While no equipment or vehicles were visible on the site, a large pile of rubble gathered around 30 metres from the former office entrance indicated clearance work had begun. Meanwhile, countless debris and numerous shards of smashed glass were present throughout. Perhaps the saddest sight was the condition of B-listed Craigforth House, a former stately home. The 17th-century B-listed building was a shadow of its former self, its appearance blotted by smashed windows, graffiti and stripped roofing. A Stirling Council spokesperson says the responsibility to secure the site and buildings lies with the Ambassador Group. But they added: 'We are aware of the concerns about the site being accessed and have raised these with Ambassador and Police Scotland.' A dedicated Craigforth website set up by Ambassador has no contact details. The Courier has therefore contacted the company's agent Savills.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Former Stirling care home site could be sold off for housing
The facility was briefly used for people recuperating from Covid more recently, but was once the focus of a campaign to save it from the axe. A former Stirling care home site, which was once at the heart of a heated local campaign, looks to be on the cusp of being sold for housing. Beech Gardens, off Polmaise Road in Torbrex, is situated within the original curtilage of the listed Batterflatts House and was purpose-built as a care facility. In recent years the home was closed and declared surplus as a part of the reconfiguration of care services across the Forth Valley, following the creation of the Stirling Care Village. In 2009, however, it was at the centre of a local campaign to keep it open after it was threatened with the axe in council cuts. While the heated battle resulted in it being given a stay of execution, its use was eventually phased out and it was used for respite care for a period. During the Covid pandemic it was upgraded, along with Allan Lodge, to support NHS patients in recovery being moved out of the hospital environment. NHS used the facility briefly, and the building was returned to the council. In a report due before a special meeting of Stirling Council on Thursday, officials said: 'Since the pandemic, the property has attracted interest from several parties, from within the council, and a formal asset transfer request was subsequently withdrawn. 'Current running costs for 2024-2025 were £32,953, which includes £11,641 of rates, £6,404 standing charges on utilities, and £14,908 on security. 'An external marketing agent was appointed to market several council-owned surplus properties and development sites, including Beech Gardens.' The officials said any changes to the site must protect the character and appearance of the designated conservation area and the adjacent listed building - with a single-story structure essential. Any future development should also prioritise the use of the existing building, unless it can be demonstrated that the structural condition makes retention 'unfeasible at a reasonable cost and all reasonable efforts to retain, repair and reuse the building have been exhausted'. The site is said to be 'well-suited for residential purposes, including private housing, social housing, or residential care'. At the closing date in March, there were five offers received, ranging from £500,000 to £150,000. Two offers had no suspensive conditions, or the offer was unconditional. Two offers were subject to either condition surveys or title and site services investigations. One offer was subject to obtaining satisfactory funding. The report added: 'Given its position as the most financially advantageous and that it is not subject to any suspensive conditions, it is recommended that Urban Nest Scotland Limited's offer be taken forward as the preferred bidder. 'Urban Nest Scotland Ltd proposes to develop the site for private housing and is in a position to progress with the conclusion of missives on the council approval. 'Urban Nest has held initial discussions with the Planning team regarding their development plans. 'This disposal will result in the release of the property, the achievement of the capital receipt, and the reduction of revenue budget pressure in this fiscal year.' At Thursday's special meeting, councillors will be asked to approve the preferred bidder and disposal of Beech Gardens.
The Courier
2 days ago
- Business
- The Courier
Stirling golf driving range plan refused after last-gasp appeal
Plans to build a golf driving range complex in Whins of Milton will not go ahead due to the proposed site's proximity to the Bannockburn battlefield. On Monday, June 2, Scottish Government ministers refused planning consent, following the recommendations made by Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) reporter Stuart West. The appeal was the driving range's last hope. The plan was also refused by Stirling Council in January 2024. Appellant Lianne Muirhead hoped to gain permission to build golf facilities that could also be used as a cafe, club house and multipurpose community space. The driving range and associated car park would have been sited on agricultural land west of New Line Road in Whins of Milton, south of Stirling. Last year, Stirling Council refused the application on the grounds that the development would negatively impact green belt land and the Bannockburn battlefield. This was mainly due to its design and appearance, as well as floodlighting and fencing. Historic Environment Scotland was also against the plan for similar reasons. However, many locals were in favour of the driving range, commenting that it would boost the community and bring new jobs to the area. Ms Muirhead argued that the proposed new building would not disrupt the current landscape or view. She submitted an appeal to the DPEA asking it to overturn the council's decision a year on from her initial planning application, in April 2024. A hearing took place in October 2024, and the DPEA reporter made several site visits throughout last year. Now, after more than two years of debate, government ministers have quashed the plan. The DPEA's decision notice listed the impact on the landscape of the Bannockburn battlefield and A-listed buildings on Monument Hill as the main reasons for refusal. It also objected to the 'overall principle of the development'. The government argued that an alternative location on non-green belt land would be better suited for the Stirling driving range proposal. The Scottish ministers' decision on the matter is final, unless the appellant chooses to appeal to the Court of Session within six weeks. Scottish Government ministers also rejected a controversial plan to build a harness racing track near the Battle of Bannockburn site this week, after a similarly long-running debate.
